Orlando Pirates confirm road incident involving head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and five members of the club - 'Our priority is the health and wellbeing of our colleagues'

Orlando Pirates have confirmed a road incident involving their head coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, and five members of the Premier Soccer League side.

The Soweto giants stated that the incident occurred as the club members were returning from a weekend game held in Gqeberha.

"Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm that head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and five members of the club’s staff were involved in a road traffic incident on Sunday night," the club's statement read on Tuesday.

"The incident occurred on the R21 highway as the team returned from Gqeberha, following their hard-fought 3–0 victory against Chippa United," it added.

"Upon encountering a collision between two vehicles, coach Ouaddou and several staff members disembarked from the team bus to assist those involved. Tragically, while attending to the scene, a Nissan NP200 vehicle collided with the stationary vehicles, striking the group and causing serious injuries."

The Bucs have pleaded for privacy during their trying moments as their members recuperate at the hospital.

"Coach Ouaddou, along with the five affected staff members, was immediately transported to hospital, where they are currently receiving medical care. The Club is in close contact with the medical team and will provide updates on their recovery in due course," the Pirates' statement continued.

"At this stage, our priority is the health and wellbeing of our colleagues. The club has made arrangements to ensure that the affected individuals and their families receive all the necessary support during this difficult time."

"We ask for privacy and respect for those involved as they focus on recovery. Further updates will be communicated when appropriate."

The incident comes just as the Soweto giants have started to recover from a shaky start to the season under their new head coach. 

The win against Chippa United was their third straight league victory and they also overcame Mamelodi Sundowns, after a penalty shoot out, to progress to the final of the MTN8 Cup. 

The immediate priority of the club is the quick recovery of those involved in the road incident.

The incident has come at a time the season has gone on a short recess during the FIFA international break. During the break, Bafana Bafana will face Lesotho and Nigeria on September 5 and 9, respectively.

Sipho Chaine, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Thalente Mbatha, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Oswin Appollis, Patrick Maswanganyi and Relebohile Mofokeng are Pirates' players named in the final Bafana Bafana squad.